141 BCE – 67 BCE
Queen Salome Alexandra (141–67 BCE) was one of the few women to rule ancient Israel in her own right. Reigning from 76 to 67 BCE, she was a skilled and savvy politician who first rose to power as the wife of King Alexander Jannaeus, the first Maccabean king. After his death, Salome took the throne herself at a time of deep division between Jewish sects.
Remarkably, her reign is remembered as a rare period of stability. Salome worked to balance power between the Sadducees, who controlled the Temple, and the Pharisees, who represented the broader population. Her leadership allowed for relative peace and strengthened religious life, setting a model for thoughtful, inclusive governance.
Though her rule ended over two thousand years ago, Queen Salome Alexandra remains a powerful example of how wisdom, diplomacy, and courage can foster unity in even the most divided times.
